Becoming a Phlebotomist in Missouri
Many people have seen a phlebotomist in action without knowing it. Every day, these skilled medical technicians draw blood from patients in doctors’ offices and hospitals. They also make sure that all blood samples are entered properly into facility databases. Unless these tasks are performed accurately and safely, the healthcare system could not function in reliable ways.
You’ll find phlebotomists working in healthcare facilities throughout Missouri. As compensation for their important contributions, they receive solid salaries. To work as a phlebotomist, you must master a variety of procedures. However, it doesn’t take that long to get the training you need and start your new career. Here’s how you can get yourself ready for employment in Missouri.
Getting Trained and Certified in Missouri
Missouri does not require phlebotomists to go through any specific training or certification program. Technically speaking, this means that you can just apply today for any open positions in your area. However, in reality this approach won’t work.
Why? When searching for new employees, doctors and hospitals have little interest in unskilled candidates. Instead, they expect anyone applying for a job to already know what they’re doing. To meet this expectation, you’re going to have to enter some kind of phlebotomy training program. And if you want to stand out from the crowd, the program you enter must provide its graduates with a well-respected certificate of completion.
Missouri Training Programs for Phlebotomists
Fortunately, Missouri has a number of solid options for phlebotomy training. Usually, training is only available to high school graduates and GED holders. Any given program may also require you to meet additional entry standards. The list of quality programs offered within state boundaries includes:
- The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy Basic and Advanced Programs – As its name indicates, the St. Louis School of Phlebotomy is dedicated to phlebotomy-related training. Its basic course is open to people with no prior experience. This course provides you with six weeks of classroom instruction. It also provides you with 40 hours of hands-on training with a local healthcare provider. The advanced program provides four weeks of additional training for experienced phlebotomists.
- The Kansas City School of Phlebotomy Basic and Advanced Programs – This institution is a sister school to the St. Louis School of Phlebotomy. It follows the same instruction model, with a seven-week beginner course and a four-week advanced course. Graduates receive certification from the institution. In addition, the training you receive will prepare you to get your national certificate from organizations like the National Phlebotomy Association.
- Franklin Technology Center Adult Education Phlebotomy Technician Program – This program is geared toward getting you ready for an entry-level phlebotomist position. It focuses on core skills such as drawing and labeling blood, using proper medical terminology and following all ethics and safety guidelines. The school certifies all program graduates. In addition, your coursework will prepare you to take the national certification exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, or NCCT. NCCT certificates are well-regarded in the healthcare industry.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Missouri, phlebotomists earn an average annual salary of $35,770, which is slightly below the national average of $38,530. Entry-level phlebotomists in Missouri, representing the lowest 10%, earn around $30,640, while the top 10% of earners in the state make $44,950 or more. Experience and location are key factors influencing earnings, with certain areas in Missouri offering higher wages.
Indeed.com’s reports suggest that Lee’s Summit, Mexico, and St. Louis are among the higher-paying areas for phlebotomists in Missouri, while those in Kansas City, Springfield, and Jefferson City tend to earn less. However, the data indicates that the Kansas City area has a higher average salary than Springfield.
National vs. Missouri Annual Wages for Phlebotomists
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Missouri | $30,640 | $35,770 | $44,950 |
Regional Annual Wages for Phlebotomists in Missouri
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $33,490 | $38,450 | $47,160 |
| Springfield, MO | $31,520 | $33,920 | $40,790 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $31,570 | $37,600 | $45,560 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Maine
In Missouri, the employment of phlebotomists is expected to grow by 17% from 2020 to 2030, from 2,480 employees to 2,910. This growth rate is more than double the national average growth rate of 8% for this occupation from 2022 to 2032. Missouri is projected to have 360 job openings annually for phlebotomists over the decade from 2020 to 2030, which includes new jobs due to growth and replacements. In comparison, the United States is projected to have 19,500 job openings annually from 2022 to 2032.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 2,480 employees | 2,910 employees | 17% | 360 |
| United States | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Missouri: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of Missouri.
- United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections, which provide national data on occupational employment trends and projections.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Missouri?
Working as a phlebotomist in Missouri offers a blend of steady job growth and diverse work environments. With a projected 17% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030, phlebotomists in Missouri can expect a healthy job market. Daily, phlebotomists engage in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations, often working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices. The role requires technical skill, attention to detail, and excellent patient interaction, as they are on the front lines of patient care and comfort. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Missouri provides opportunities for phlebotomists to grow their careers, especially in metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, which tend to offer higher wages.